2015 Château Prieuré-Lichine - A little bit of history (worth) repeating
In 2015 Prieuré-Lichine, is a total knock-out. Don't miss it!
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
2015 Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux
£390 per 12 bottle case in bond
A few years back, I wrote ‘The great issue with Bordeaux is basing qualitative judgements on young barrel samples’ and nothing has changed. I went on to write :
‘While it is not impossible to evaluate the potential of a Bordeaux at an early stage, it is far easier once the wine has been bottled. This is why virtually all wine critics give bracketed scores while the wine is in barrel and definitive scores once they have tasted in bottle. This sometimes leads to significant surprises. A case in point is Bordeaux’s 2015 vintage, as certain wines are showing in a far finer light post-bottling than they did from barrel. This very much true for the commune of Margaux, which was one of the most successful appellations in the 2015 vintage. At Atlas, we were fascinated to see the scores for 2015 Château Prieuré-Lichine after bottling. In particular, Jane Anson’s note. which made for a stark contrast against Neal Martin’s barrel tasting note.’
While we have had great feedback from clients who bought this wine back in February 2018, and have had really impressive bottles ourselves, some critics continue to dismiss it as ordinary. Take a look at the three reviews below.
2015 Château Prieuré-Lichine
£390 per 12 bottle case in bond
Two enthusiastic reviews, which chime with our own view:
94 points, Jane Anson, jane.anson.com (2022)
Generous aromatics, raspberry puree, a little reticent right now as this is a big shouldered and well constructed wine that needs time to fully open. Edges of chocolate and liqourice alongside the cassis and black cherry fruits, and even in a generous vintage like 2015 there is still balance offered by a touch of mint and eucalyptus. Needs another few years in bottle before the terroir begins to reassert its authority, but this will give exceptional pleasure and is impressive. 50% new oak. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant. 2025-2044
95 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (2017)
The 2015 Prieuré-Lichine has really come together over the last two years. Sumptuous, bold and racy, with no hard edges or angular contours, the 2015 is all class. The purity of the flavors is striking. Bright floral and spice notes perk up the red stone fruit nicely in this sensual, silky Margaux. All the elements simply fall into place. This is the first vintage Stéphane Derenoncourt and his team made in the new cellar. In 2015 Prieuré-Lichine, is a total knock-out. Don't miss it. 2025-2040
And here is Neal Martin’s review, which is in line with his earlier reviews:
89 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com
The 2015 Prieuré Lichine has a bouquet that demands more coaxing from the glass to reveal dusky black fruit, hints of leather and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins and fine acidity, but it feels blocky on the finish at the moment. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting. 2026-2038